Finding My Voice in the Middle of Uncertainty by Ella

Finding My Voice in the Middle of Uncertainty by Ella - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

I discovered a new strength within myself when I realized that I could lead even while feeling unsure. For a long time, I thought strength meant having all the answers or never feeling overwhelmed. I was mistaken. True strength appeared when life got unpredictable, and I chose to move forward anyway.

This moment occurred when I became President of my school’s HOSA chapter. I had always participated in leadership and service, but this role felt different. Suddenly, people looked to me for guidance, decisions, and confidence. Meanwhile, my life outside of school was far from calm. My family has faced ongoing medical issues, including my father’s stroke and my grandmother’s worsening dementia. I was juggling academics, leadership, and emotional responsibilities, and there were days when I wondered if I could manage it all.

Instead of stepping back, I leaned in. I learned how to organize meetings, motivate members, and solve problems when things didn’t go as planned. I learned how to speak up, even when my voice trembled a bit. I found out that leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent, empathetic, and showing up for others even when you’re still figuring things out.

That experience changed how I see myself. I realized I can handle pressure, adjust quickly, and support others during tough times. This new understanding of my strength influenced how I tackle challenges in my life. I became more confident in my academics, more intentional in my service work, and more committed to my long-term goals in healthcare.

This strength also shaped my growth beyond leadership positions. It encouraged me to seek opportunities like shadowing neurologists, volunteering in hospitals, and developing my Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on stroke education and recovery. I stopped waiting to feel “ready” and began trusting that growth happens through action.

The most important lesson I learned is that strength does not always appear loud or fearless. Sometimes, it looks like responsibility. Sometimes, it looks like resilience. And sometimes, it looks like choosing to keep going, even when life feels heavy.

Discovering this strength gave me confidence not only in who I am now but also in who I am becoming. It showed me that I can turn uncertainty into purpose and pressure into progress. That realization continues to guide my growth, reminding me that I am capable of more than I once believed.